The team at Hockley haven\u2019t just invested in a 3D printer, they have also invested in education too.<\/span> \nHockley\u2019s project lead Lee Evans visited the Markforged head office in Boston to attend the Markforged University, which is a certified training programme specifically written to help customers make the most of their new technology. Lee, who is now Markforged \u2018additive manufacturing certified\u2019 advises customers on the best way to use the technology, including the use of continuous fibres for applications where strength is a major requirement.<\/span> \n\u201cThe Markforged University\u2019 programme has opened my eyes massively to the opportunities offered by additive\u201d says Lee. \u201cI learnt all about design for additive, how to choose the best materials for the job and how to look after our machine. I also saw the impressive Metal X printer in action, which was really eye opening\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>
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What\u2019s next for Hockley?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2><\/div>To date Hockley have been printing all sorts of parts for jigs\/ fixtures and tooling solutions \u2013 they have an ambition to be the \u2018go to\u2019 company for solutions that involve the manufacture of tooling and other such items. The purchase of the X7 also allows Hockley to attack other markets. The machine can print with the new Onyx FR (flame retardant) material, which will undoubtedly open up new opportunities in defence, aerospace, automotive and nuclear applications. Of course, there is also the ability to print with the newly released nylon white and in the future with Onyx ESD (anti-static) for parts containing electronic assemblies.<\/span><\/p>\nOne of the other things Hockley intend to research is the subject of \u2018coatings\u2019. As Lee Evans points out \u201cOnyx prints really well and with a great surface finish, it so stable and strong we have decided to see how far we can go with it. It\u2019s reliable and repeatable so we\u2019re going to look at coating it in different materials, making some of the items we couldn\u2019t do in the past a distinct reality. I\u2019m going to visit one of our suppliers who can do this type of process and see where we get to, there have been times in the past that would have really benefitted from something like this\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\nAs Hockley wins more work and the business grows the management team have already signalled their intent to re- invest. To quote Ian Eaves \u201cthese days it\u2019s not possible to stand still in business and expect to remain competitive for the medium term. At Hockley we\u2019re constantly looking to improve what we do and our decision to keep up with new technology will be a major factor in helping us achieve just that\u201d. \n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>
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Specialists in the design and manufacture of jigs, fixtures & tooling<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n